Spain set to experience first heatwave of the summer this week

Weather experts have predicted that high temperatures will continue to dominate this week across much of Spain, which could see the first official heatwave of the summer.

According to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), an episode can be classed as a heatwave if it lasts for at least three consecutive days and if at least 10 percent of weather stations record exceptionally high maximum temperatures.

This dramatic temperature increase will coincide with the transition from spring into astronomical summer (June 21st), bringing a sweaty start to the season.

Although Monday June 15th saw a slight drop in temperatures in some areas, maximum temperatures generally remained above 30C in many areas, reaching up to 35C in the Ebro Valley (northeastern Spain) and southern areas in Andalusia.

According to eltiempo.es, temperatures will rise significantly after this Tuesday June 16th, accompanied by tropical nights above 20C along the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro Valley, and parts of the Guadalquivir Valley (Córdoba, Sevilla). Aemet has issues yellow alerts for heat on this day in Zaragoza and Lleida.

Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 35C in various areas of southwestern Spain and Extremadura.

On Wednesday June 17th, the mercury rise will be even more dramatic. Night-time lows will continue to climb, bringing tropical nights to the southern half of the region, while highs will ​​reach over 35C in large areas, approaching 40C in the Guadalquivir Valley around Córdoba. Aemet has issued yellow heat warnings on this day for much of Aragón, Lleida, Córdoba and Sevilla.

Then from Saturday June 20th onwards, the heat will get even more intense, everywhere except on the Cantabrian coast. On this day almost everywhere in the country will reach at least 30C with peaks of 40C recorded in towns in provinces such as Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Córdoba, and Jaén.

It’s Sunday June 21st, the official start of summer, that will be the hottest day however. Maximum temperatures will continue to soar, reaching 40C across the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in Madrid and the Ebro Valley.

In Córdoba and Badajoz, thermometers could even reach 42C.